The compact, built-in-America Toyota Corolla Cross is a hot seller, but that doesn’t mean the automaker will leave well enough alone. For 2026, Toyota will give its entry-level crossover a mild update and some additional in-car technology, features that should help the Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid maintain relevance, even four years after the nameplate arrived in the US.
Subtlety Is The Name Of The Game
The 2026 Corolla Cross receives a few cosmetic updates to set it apart from its predecessor, and once again, Toyota will differentiate the internal-combustion and hybrid variants with unique front fascias. In the case of the standard model, there’s a new grille design for the front end with wider mesh, giving it a slightly sportier appearance. The Corolla Cross Hybrid gets more extensive changes; the new front bumper/grille combination does away with the snouty, fish-mouthed look of the old model for an almost Lexus-like appearance up front.
Furthermore, the Cavalry has arrived on the Corolla Cross, as Toyota’s understated blue hue makes a return to the company’s lineup. The base L gasser and S hybrid trims do without, but Cavalry Blue will show up as an option for the LE, XLE, Hybrid SE, and Hybrid SE trims – the gas-electric models will even offer a Jet Black roof in combo with the subdued sky blue.
Inside, the Corolla Cross now offers a redesigned center console with more storage space, although the difference between pre- and post-facelift is subtle. Most buyers will be more interested in the newly available 10.5-inch touchscreen that will be standard on the XLE and XSE and available as an option for the LE and SE. The new screen is a nice improvement over the carryover 8.0-inch display that will serve as the base infotainment offering. We also suspect consumers will be interested in the heated steering wheel that now comes standard on the XLE AWD and the Hybrid XSE, which will also be part of an option package that includes heated seats on LE AWD and Hybrid SE trims.
Related
Toyota Prius Vs. Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Which One’s Best For Your Passengers And Cargo?
Toyota’s most affordable hybrid hatches sized up for your passengers and gas bill
If The Corolla Cross Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
Toyota is using a light touch to update the 2026 Corolla Cross, meaning most of the SUV’s dirty bits carry over from its pre-facelift days. In the case of the gas-only powertrain, that means a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, with the buyer’s choice of front- or all-wheel drive. The Corolla Cross also uses a novel “direct-shift” CVT that features a physical first gear for consistent acceleration from a stop, and once up to speed, it transitions to the gearless transmission for efficiency and flexibility. Speaking of, it’ll do 30 miles per gallon combined with all-wheel drive, rising to 32 if you ditch the rear driveshaft.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid, meanwhile, gets an 2.0-liter inline-four, augmented by three electric motors. All-wheel drive is standard thanks to an electrically driven rear axle – the gas engine does nothing back there – and combined output for the system is a healthy 196 horsepower. The hybrid’s other benefit, besides 27 more ponies, is much more efficient operation. Despite standard all-wheel drive, the electrified Corolla achieves 42 mpg combined, making it much thriftier than its gas-only sibling.
Related
Driven: 2023 Honda HR-V Gets Almost Everything Right
The latest Honda HR-V lacks the fun factor, but it ticks most of the other boxes.
Pricing for the Corolla Cross – which for 2026 will offer L, LE, XLE, Hybrid S, Hybrid SE, and Hybrid XSE trims – has not been announced, but given its slight-but-meaningful upgrades, we suspect it’ll be marginally more expensive than the 2025 crossover. For comparison, that vehicle starts $24,135 in gas-only form or $28,495 as a hybrid.
Source: Toyota
#Toyota #Corolla #Cross #Tech #Style
